closed garden

I went to Pairi Daiza (which apparantly means 'closed garden') yesterday. Its a zoo in Belgium which used to be rather focussed on birds (and went under the name of Paradisio).

The zoo, located at the site of an ancient abbey, pulls in a big crowd and has been steadily adding new ... attractions. There's a field near an old tower where demonstrations with birds of prey take place, there's a lemur island, there's giraffes and elephants are a recent addition. The grounds themselves are rapidly being extended, making it an interesting place to go back to now and then.

A recent addition (still being build but already mostly open) is the Hindu temple complex. This will no doubt become the home of the elephants, some monkeys and water buffalos are already there. Its very impressive. Very detailled. In fact its not clear whether its a real temple or not.

I say this because the following sign was on display : "The Hindu religion forbids women having their period to enter the temple complex. Covering clothes are mandatory in the temple complex.". This message was neatly displayed in three languages.

Excuse me ?

If it (the temple) is a copy, that (sign) is a very interesting detail. Hilarious in fact. It shows exactly how backward the Hindu religion is. How discriminating for women. Just like any other religion (I do not discriminate) !

If it (the temple) is real it (the sign) is an insult. This is a zoo. In Belgium. Women pay no less entryfee. They are not informed that part of the complex may not be accessible for them at certain times of the month.

As for clothing restrictions ... are you kidding me ? Again, it is a zoo. In Belgium. The monkeys in the temple complex were showing their bare bottoms and since it was 20+ celcius (which is 'hot' for Belgium) their was a lot of other 'flesh' in view too. Some of it was definitely 'too much' ;-) ..., but that's my personal opinion, not something that I'd impose upon other people.